Birth

:

February 27, 1888 in Perleberg, Germany

Death

:

August 26, 1976 in Santa Barbara, CA

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Lotte Lehmann was a renowned classical music artist who was born on February 27, 1888, in Perleberg, Germany. She was the daughter of a school principal and grew up in a family that valued education and culture. Her parents recognized her musical talent at an early age and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Lehmann began her formal music education at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik, where she studied with the famous soprano Lilli Lehmann, who was also her aunt. She made her professional debut in 1910 at the Hamburg Opera, where she sang the role of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. Her performance was well-received, and she quickly established herself as a rising star in the opera world. In 1914, Lehmann joined the Vienna State Opera, where she remained for the next 20 years. During this time, she performed in a wide range of operas, including works by Mozart, Wagner, Verdi, and Puccini. She was particularly renowned for her performances in Richard Strauss's operas, including Salome, Elektra, and Der Rosenkavalier. Lehmann's performances were characterized by her powerful voice, impeccable technique, and emotional depth. She was known for her ability to convey the nuances of a character's emotions through her singing, and her performances were often described as "transcendent" and "spellbinding." In addition to her work in the opera world, Lehmann was also a prolific recitalist. She performed regularly in concert halls throughout Europe and the United States, and her recitals were highly anticipated events. She was particularly renowned for her interpretations of lieder, or German art songs, and she recorded many of these works throughout her career. Lehmann's career was interrupted by World War II, during which she returned to Germany and was briefly imprisoned by the Nazis. After the war, she moved to the United States and became a citizen in 1950. She continued to perform and teach, and she became a beloved figure in the American classical music world. Lehmann's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1934, she was awarded the title of Kammersängerin by the Austrian government, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a singer in Austria. She was also awarded the Légion d'honneur by the French government in 1936. In 1951, Lehmann was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of California, Los Angeles, in recognition of her contributions to the world of music. She was also awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, just a few years before her death. Lotte Lehmann died on August 26, 1976, at the age of 88. She left behind a legacy as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century, and her recordings and performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.

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